02/15/2005

Re: Preliminary Budget Recommendations, Appropriations Committee I am extremely pleased with the Appropriations Committee’s preliminary budget recommendations for the University of Nebraska. These recommendations demonstrate that the committee shares the view that the university is a resource critical to the future of Nebraska, and that there has never been a more important time for the state to invest in higher education.

The Legislature and the Governor have the important responsibility of balancing Nebraska’s fiscal resources with nondiscretionary and important discretionary needs. I am pleased with the initial work of the members of the Appropriations Committee in this regard, and I am grateful for their confidence in the University of Nebraska.